Valerie Joseph Opens Second Boutique

Valerie Joseph has opened its second boutique, at the Ward Entertainment Center (in the space previously occupied by Pink C), offering an expanded collection of women’s clothing and accessories, and adding men’s wear to its racks.

“It’s an extension of us as a company,” says owner Valerie Ragaza. “The assortments are different (from the original store at McCully Shopping Center). And our new men’s wear includes a collection of Mondo shirts which are available exclusively at Valerie Joseph (in Hawaii).”

Ragaza, who was born and raised in Makiki and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School, worked in retail for 25 years before opening the first Valerie Joseph boutique in 2005. Her previous position was assistant store manager at Niketown Honolulu.

The boutique is named after Valerie and her husband Joseph Miao, and operates by the motto “Life is short - buy cute clothes!”

“We are a boutique that offers a personalized shopping experience,” says Ragaza. “Our employees are fashion consultants who have been trained to assist customers in making the right choices.”